7 frosty activities to enjoy in the Pyrenees

Going up the slopes in a snow groomer at the Grand Tourmalet

Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France

Climb into the cab of a snow groomer, the tracked machine that crushes bumps and clods of snow on the ski runs... It's a childhood dream come true at Grand Tourmalet: you can accompany the driver of a snow groomer after dark, with the impression of having the whole resort to yourself. A cinemascope sunset over the slopes, the mysterious creaks of the mountain at night, the luminescence of the snow... 
Going up the slopes in a snowcat 

Combining skiing and rifle shooting in Beille

Plateau de Beille, Aston, France

The most beautiful Nordic ski area in the Pyrenees introduces the general public to biathlon, a discipline that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. First you practise a beautiful skating step. After a sustained run, you get to the shooting range out of breath to get into the right position. Lying down in the powder, with skis on your feet and rifle on your shoulder, you take aim at your target. Rigour, endurance, concentration: the joy is immense when you hit the bull's-eye on the first try! 
Introduction to biathlon on the Plateau de Beille

Yooning down the slope at Ax 3 Domaines

Ax 3 Domaines, Boulevard de la Griole, Ax-les-Thermes, France

Tobogganing isn't just for children, or at the bottom of the slopes. Thanks to the yooner, a modern version of the paret - a funny old-fashioned machine with a long wooden runner and a board to sit on - you can hurtle down the steepest ski runs in Ax 3 Domaines with trajectories similar to those of skiers. It's a new way of skiing that's all the rage, as it allows non-skiers to follow their friends down the slopes. Thrills guaranteed!
Yooner at Ax 3 Domaines

Meditating amidst the powder snow at Val d'Azun

Val d'Azun, col de couraduque, Aucun, France

For those who dream of taking the time to stop and contemplate the mountains, what better than these snowshoeing and yoga weekends devised by Aude and Damien (mountain guide). Through immaculate landscapes, you'll follow your yogi master on a snowshoe walk where you'll take time to observe and recharge your batteries. The experience continues with a Vinyasa yoga class and, in the morning, a meditation and pranayama session. Absolute Zen guaranteed! 
Snowshoeing and yoga

Flying over the mountains in Saint-Lary-Soulan

Feel like soaring? Watch your skis float over the mountains? The resort of Saint-Lary-Soulan offers speed-riding sessions. The idea is to give your skis wings by alternating phases of flight and piloting in contact with the snow. It's an exhilarating discipline, but one that requires quality training to progress and practice safely. The result is an extraordinary feeling of freedom! 
Speed-riding in Saint-Lary-Soulan
Speed-riding school

Test all the baths in the world, near Peyragudes

Peyragudes, Peyresourde, Peyragudes, France

For generations, the Pyrenees have been known for their hot springs. It's a glamorous way of life shared by skiers and tired hikers at the end of the day. Like at the Bains Balnéa (at the foot of the Peyragudes and Val Louron ski resorts), where several indoor and outdoor areas are an ode to all the baths of the world (Amerindian baths, Roman baths, Japanese baths, Inca baths, Mayan baths, Olympic thermal water pool). On the programme: baths at different temperatures (28°, 33°, 36°, 38°), jacuzzi, hydro-massage jets, counter-current swimming, as well as a cryo-tonic pavilion, 8° ice cabin, sauna, hammam... Perfect for preventing aches and pains and letting your mind wander in front of an enchanting landscape. 
Bubbling in the warm waters of the Louron Valley

To know more:

• Organise your stay in the Ossau Valley 
• Organise your stay in Grand Tourmalet 
• Organise your stay in Beille 
• Organise your stay in Ax 3 Domaines 
• Organise your stay in Peyragudes 
• Organise your stay in Pyrénées-Orientales
   

By The editor

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.